Exploring the Memorable Roles of Albert Brooks

Albert Brooks is a highly regarded American actor, comedian, writer, and director. He is known for his distinct comedic style and several notable performances.

He has also made significant contributions as a voice actor in various animated films and television shows.

In a recent discussion with friend and director Rob Reiner, Brooks lamented the “good old days” of comedy. He has been active in the entertainment industry since 1969.

Brooks said he “one hundred percent” misses the old days of late-night television, a bygone era before viral YouTube and TikTok videos became the sought-after comedy fix.

“When I was on (Johnny) Carson, I never had to call anybody,” he said. “That all went away in the early 2000s. People underestimate how the ability to time-shift what you watch on TV changed everything.”

With that, let’s take a look at Albert Brooks’ own ‘old days’ by looking back at some of his most memorable roles.

**Aaron Altman in Broadcast News (1987)**

Albert Brooks’ portrayal of Aaron Altman, a talented but neurotic news reporter, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Indeed, it is one of his most memorable roles.

The film is a sharp, insightful look at the world of television news, and Brooks’ performance is a highlight.

The role of Altman was written specifically by producers with Brooks in mind. And it was a solid match, with the New York Times review stating, “Brooks comes very close to stealing” and “is more or less the conscience” of the film.

Subsequently, Broadcast News earned seven Academy Award nominations overall and is preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

**Daniel Miller in Defending Your Life (1991)**

Brooks not only starred in this romantic comedy-fantasy, but also wrote and directed it. He plays a man who dies and arrives in Judgment City, where he must defend his life in a trial to determine his fate.

Defending Your Life sees Meryl Streep starring alongside Brooks as his post-death love interest.

The film is a clever and touching exploration of life, love, and what it means to truly be alive. And critics overwhelmingly adored it, with a 98% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Surprisingly, it did not, however, score big at the box office.

**David Howard in Drive (2011)**

Brooks took on a darker role in this neo-noir crime thriller starring Ryan Gosling, playing a menacing mob boss named Bernie Rose. His performance was widely praised for its chilling intensity and marked a departure from his usual comedic roles.

“For me, it was an opportunity to act outside the box,” Brooks later said about the role. “I liked that this mobster had real style.”

The comedian felt his character had an added layer of complexity in that he was “sad” about having to kill people, as opposed to your stereotypical cold mobster who relishes it.

While he received numerous awards and nominations for his role, Brooks was snubbed by the Academy.

**Marlin in Finding Nemo (2003) and Finding Dory (2016)**

Brooks’ voice acting as the overprotective clownfish Marlin in these beloved Pixar films showcased his ability to convey both humor and heart. His character’s journey to find his son Nemo in the first film and to reunite with his friend Dory in the sequel is a testament to his depth, creating emotion simply by using his voice.

Few people are aware that Marlin had originally been recorded by William H. Macy, but director Andrew Stanton decided a clownfish who isn’t funny needed a lighter touch.

Stanton said casting Brooks in the role “saved” the film. Finding Nemo would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Film. Later, it lead to an incredibly successful sequel in Finding Dory.

**Albert Brooks in Real Life (1979)**

In this early mockumentary, Brooks plays the role of a fictionalized version of himself, a comedian attempting to make a reality TV show about an average American family. The film is a biting satire of the entertainment industry and a showcase for Brooks’ comedic talents.

A Washington Post review of Real Life described Brooks as “the Woody Allen of the 1980s.” It added that his directorial debut “demonstrates a potential genius for movie comedy.”